BEAUFORT: A total of RM2.3 million has been allocated this year to strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The initiatives include expanding the Public Sector Tekad Programme and strengthening the Anti-Drug Squad.
“The allocation was approved at the 2026 Drug Eradication Action Meeting (MTMD), alongside various initiatives implemented by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sabah.
“Drug abuse must not be taken lightly as its effects not only harm individuals’ health and lives but also threaten family harmony, public safety and the State’s productivity.
Sabah’s development is measured not only by economic growth and infrastructure progress, but also by family well-being, community safety and the future of the younger generation.
“Behind every recorded figure are individuals and families who need attention, guidance and support to build better lives,” he said, when opening the Madani Kita 2026 programme and closing of Bagandang Festival Beaufort at Dataran Bagandang, Sunday.
Hajiji said AADK statistics showed 130,307 individuals nationwide were drug addicts and drug abusers as of June 2026.
The figure represented a 3.4 per cent decrease from 134,916 individuals during the same period last year.
In Sabah, 5,269 individuals were recorded, a decrease of 0.02 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.
However, he said, the decline should not lead to take the threat lightly as drug threats continued to evolve, particularly involving synthetic drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), new psychoactive substances (NPS) and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
He said those between 19 and 39 required serious attention as they were among the main contributors to the State’s development.
Hajiji outlined three main strategies to strengthen efforts to combat drug abuse.
“The first is to strengthen the role of families and communities in prevention, including encouraging parents to monitor their children’s social circles, recognise changes in behaviour and maintain open communication within the family.
“The second is to strengthen enforcement and cooperation among agencies, including AADK, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and other relevant agencies.
“The third strategy is to expand access to treatment, rehabilitation and employment opportunities to help individuals struggling with addiction become independent and lead productive lives.
“We must be firm against drug trafficking while also giving those who are trying to recover the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.
He added that recovering individuals should not continue to face stigma that makes it difficult for them to return to their families and communities.
Instead, they should receive guidance, a second chance and support to contribute to national development, he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the revival of the Bagandang Festival would help preserve the traditional Bagandang art form associated with the Beaufort community and introduce it to people throughout Sabah.
He said it served as a platform to prepare Beaufort for Visit Sabah Year 2027, while generating economic and social benefits through business opportunities for local entrepreneurs operating sales stalls and tamu markets.
At the same event, Hajiji handed over 247 land titles covering a total area of 889.21 acres to villagers.
Of the total, 24 were Pantas land titles covering 77.51 acres, while the remaining 223 were ordinary Native Title (NT) grants covering 811.7 acres.
